China, Azerbaijan pledge stronger ties

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (R) meets with Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammedyarov in Beijing, China, July 1, 2014. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi met Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov in Beijing on Tuesday, and both agreed to boost China-Azerbaijan ties.

Calling the two countries good friends and partners, Yang said they have maintained sound momentum in the development of diplomatic ties since their forging, citing enhanced political trust, fruitful cooperation and strengthened friendship.

Mammadyarov, for his part, said Azerbaijan attaches great importance to its ties with China, and firmly supports China on issues regarding Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Azerbaijan hopes to beef up cooperation with China in all fields, he said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also held talks with Mammadyarov earlier on Tuesday. They agreed to tap potential for closer cooperation and enhance coordination on international and regional affairs.